Railway Expansion India: On March 10, 2026, the Indian Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sanctioned two significant railway projects valued at ₹4,474 crore. These projects encompass the fourth line of Sainthia Pakur and the Santragachi-Kharagpur route, aiming to enhance the Indian Railways’ operational efficiency and service reliability.
The projects, covering five districts in West Bengal and Jharkhand, will extend the railway network by approximately 192 kilometers, improving connectivity for around 5,652 villages and benefiting a population of approximately 147 lakhs. The government emphasized that these enhancements will alleviate congestion and streamline operations.
This strategic expansion will bolster rail connectivity to key tourist destinations, such as Bolpur-Shantiniketan and the Nandikeshwari temple, and is crucial for transporting essential commodities like coal and steel. The anticipated increase in freight traffic is projected to reach 31 million tonnes annually, aiding India’s climate goals by reducing oil imports and CO2 emissions.
Aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects focus on multi-modal connectivity. Additionally, the cabinet declared Madurai Airport as an international airport, enhancing regional trade and tourism, further driving economic development in southern Tamil Nadu.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 11, 2026
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